DIASPORA SI NJË TJETËR BRENDAKULTUROR
DIASPORA AS AN INTRACULTURAL “OTHER”

Summary/Abstract: Albanians who have emigrated from Kosovo to the West have recently acquired the nickname of Shaci/Schatz-i, a German word which literally means “dear” and “treasure”, but which in this social context often assumes a negative connotation. This article is based on direct conversations with several migrants and other sources (TV, Internet), in the attempt to answer the questions: how do migrants identify themselves and how are they identified by those who live in Kosovo? How do they feel when they hear the nickname Shaci/ Schatz-i? What are the features that make them feel as “the other”, “different” from other Albanians? What are their needs and expectations in Kosovo? This article argues that migrants' agency is expected to influence the way they negotiate their identity, when insisting not only on the acceptance of the changes that they have undergone in the host countries, but also on the acceptance of their vision for their country, as far as they can influence it.

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